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This race has been a long time coming. One year ago I ran the Key West Half Marathon, my second worst and after that weekend I knew I had to change. Over the last year I have transformed. I dropped over 25 pounds and have improved my half marathon time with each subsequent half, scoring PRs at the last two. All four half marathons after Key West were under two hours, something I have never achieved in all my years of running. 2017 was quite a year.

Originally I was supposed to run Key West again. Unfortunately for multiple reason that didn’t work out. The biggest reason for me was that Key West is such a big party place and I have trouble resisting a party. I wanted to hit a big goal this particular weekend because it is my 40th birthday weekend and I have something to prove to myself. Key West wasn’t the place for that goal. I settled in Naples because it has a flat, fast course and it just slightly more low key.

I am excited that my friends Allison and Carrie both decided to join me for this race and my 40th. I am so looking forward to getting away, running the race and celebrating my 40th in Naples with some really good friends.

My big goal has always been a 1:45 half and I still believe I can reach this goal, but I have had some ITB issues that has made my training less than stellar these last few weeks. I know I will PR and get under 1:50 and I will be happy with that too! Worst case I meet my C goal and while I won’t lie that I would be slightly disappointed, it would also be okay.

What is most important is that the year has come full circle and I have come so far. Whatever I accomplish in Naples is going to be a far cry from where I came from last year at Key West. I am in a much better place now.

Oh and did I mention I turn 40 on Friday??? 40 and in better shape than I have ever been in my life! Even Garmin agrees:

Apparently my fitness age is that of an excellent 20 year old!! I am hoping to improve that even more over the next year!!!

Naples here I come…..and I plan to conquer that race and smash my time from a year ago at Key West!!

I even have a race plan thanks to my awesome coach Jess!!! She has helped me so much and is a continued source of support. I know how to run and I know how to train, but having a coach takes away all the stress of planning and evaluating….plus it’s like having a therapist to help work through all the anxiety and self- doubt. Jess is the best and I couldn’t ask for more as a coach!!!!

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About Toni Church

My name is Toni and I am a mother, wife, runner, blogger and RN originally from Long Island. I now reside in Tampa Bay. I blog about running, health, fitness and my life. Follow my journey as I run, love and live my life to the fullest.

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Oh my goodness I am sitting here cheering at my scream. First of all Happy 40th Birthday 20 year old. That is impressive! I love how you celebrate the small victories too So inspiring! I wish you even more success in 2018!

A very happy birthday to you! I loved my 40s, but honestly, my 50s have been even better! Congrats on such an awesome year and on crushing your fitness goals. Can’t wait to hear about Naples!The Accidental Marathoner recently posted..Five Fitness Goals to Kick Off the New Year

Despite the fact that you wanted to return to Key West, it sounds like running Naples was the better decision for you. Good luck this weekend! I can’t wait to hear how the race goes!Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted..My 2018 Race Calendar

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Hi! I’m Toni

My name is Toni and I am a mother, wife, runner, blogger and RN originally from Long Island. I now reside in Tampa Bay. I blog about running, health, fitness and my life.

This year I am taking my training to a new level as I train to run a 1:45 half marathon in 2018 in Naples. Follow me as I run, love and live my life to the fullest! Run Often, Love Completely, Live Fully